The University of Washington School of Nursing is in the process of developing its new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. At this time, the School of Nursing has obtained approval for the program from the state Higher Education Coordinating (HEC) Board and the Regents of the University and the School is looking forward to receiving applications for its third cohort of students. The School's first cohort started coursework in January of 2007.

The Next Application deadline is January 15, 2008
For admission in Autumn Quarter 2008, applications will be accepted from RNs with baccalaureate degrees as well as from RNs who have a master’s degree in nursing.  Post-master’s applicants need to indicate whether they seek DNP preparation while remaining in their existing area of specialty or whether they opt to apply to the DNP program in a new area of specialty.  

Program Description

The DNP program at the University of Washington School of Nursing will enhance evidenced-based, culturally competent, innovative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-effective, quality health care for patients around the country and globe. It will prepare RNs for advanced practice in health and illness, with expanded expertise in clinical inquiry, leadership, and informational technology utilization.

The term "practice", specifically nursing practice, refers to any form of nursing intervention that influences health care outcomes for individual or populations, including direct care, management of care, administration of nursing and health care organizations, and the development and implementation of health policy. Preparation at the DNP level is based on nursing science and is at the highest level of nursing practice.

DNP Specialties

For 2008 admissions the following School of Nursing specialties are admitting to BOTH the Master of Nursing program AND to the DNP program:

• Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AACNP)
• Adult/Older Adult Nurse Practitioner (AOANP)
• Infectious Disease Adult Nurse Practitioner (ID-ANP)
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
• Nurse Midwifery (NM)
• Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing (OEHN)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
• Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (PNS)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Rural-Adult Nurse Practitioner (R-ANP)
• Advanced Practice Specialist (APS, formerly APIO)
• Infectious Disease and Infection Control Nurse Specialist (IDINS)
• Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHCNP), starts coursework in summer

Admitting to the DNP only; no longer admitting to the Master of Nursing:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), starts coursework in summer
• Advanced Practice Community Health Systems Nursing (APCHSN)
Communities for Youth
Cross Cultural and Global Health
Healthy Aging
Rural Health

Additional DNP Information:

Admissions Requirements
Applications
DNP Degree Requirements
DNP Costs and Financial Aid
General DNP FAQs
FAQs deciding between a DNP and PHD
To be added to DNP Update email list
Additional Information and Links